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| Cam Zink's backflip at Rampage 2013 was just insane. Thankfully there's a video on YouTube to relive the historical moment. Photo retrieved from galleryhip.com, used under a Creative Commons license. |
5. Valparaiso Urban Downhill - Helmet Cam
Okay, so to kick things off we have the famous helmet cam from the 2011 Urban Downhill event in Valparaiso, Chile. Normally helmet cams don't hold much value as a conventional, edited video, but this one is just insane. The fact that the race is through a cluttered and crowded South American city brings it to life, with crazy spectators, dogs on course, massive jumps and narrow alleyways. I think a helmet cam is the best way to capture this kind of race and it really brings the viewer into the world of the rider. This one was the first helmet cam from an Urban Downhill race to gain attention and brought Urban Downhill into the spotlight with over 5 million views.
4. Sam Hill's 2008 World Championship Run
Where would this list be without a race video? For our number 4 spot, we have Sam Hill's 2008 World Championship run. Okay, so it might be filmed on a potato, but as far as downhill race runs go, this has it all. One of the all time best downhill riders in his prime, a monster of a track and some of the best commentary we've ever heard from Rob Warner. Sam Hill strung together one of the most perfect World Championship runs ever, putting over 5 seconds into the world's best only halfway down. However, on the second to last corner, tragedy struck as Hill went down in a cloud of dust. After the masterclass he performed on the technical, root strewn track, it was devastating to crash on the easiest part of the track. Hill went on to receive the bronze medal and only missed gold by two and a half seconds. The video exploded on the internet and will long go down as one of the best and most memorable World Championship race runs ever. If we're talking about World Championship race runs though, lets not forget Danny Hart's demolition job at Champery, 2011. Hart's run is nothing short of phenomenal, beating the world's best by 12 seconds in a complete mud fest. I was so close to posting Hart's video here instead, but Hill's just won over for the drama it contains when he crashes - it really is the complete package. If you want to view Danny Hart's race run (I really think you should), check it out here.
3. Sh*t Mountain Bikers Say
And now for something completely different- taking home 3rd spot is Sh*t Mountain Bikers Say. Created by Matt Dennison, this video presents a lighter take on mountain biking. As the title suggests, it pokes fun at all the common phrases and excuses mountain bikers make. I can guarantee any mountain biker can relate with the video, and it really makes you realise some of the funny, weird, random and downright silly things that come out of our mouths when riding. It's a right laugh and something every mountain biker should watch.
2. Cam Zink's Backflip at Rampage 2013
Playing the bridesmaid today is Cam Zink. I'm not sure he'd really like that title attached to his name though, as Cam Zink is one tough customer. The lead up to Red Bull Rampage 2013 was heavily discussed, with many riders complaining about it being held in the same site as previous years. They felt everything had been ridden there and they needed somewhere fresh. So what does Cam Zink do? He says he's going to backflip the Oakley Icon sender - the biggest jump/drop on the site at 78ft long. Despite his first son being due in a couple of weeks, Zink stuck to his plan, straight airing the drop in practice with buddy Kyle Strait. Come finals, after a wind delay, Zink dropped in. As he approached the drop, literally everyone's heart stopped. I was watching it live over the internet, and the commentators paused, the crowd paused, and I paused. No one had ever attempted anything nearly as big as this before. Zink launched into the backflip, and the rest is history. He landed it perfectly and rode out his run, skipping some of the bottom jumps to avoid an embarrassing crash after landing such a historic run. Despite his backflip, he ended up 3rd in the competition - missing the bottom jumps cost his score too much. But it doesn't really matter anyway. Zink proved he's the man to beat when it comes to big tricks off big jumps - his backflip drop was the biggest ever landed on a bike. A nice trophy to go along with his record of biggest 360 ever on a bike.
1. Danny MacAskill's Imaginate
Danny MacAskill made himself an Internet sensation when he released his first video in 2009. It was shared all around the globe, and everyone was asking 'who is this guy?'. Danny MacAskill is a Scottish trials rider, possibly the most skilled in the world. Trials riding is the most niche form of mountain biking, but arguably the most impressive to watch. The skills these top riders possess is just insane. Danny MacAskill's first video threw him into the spotlight and he picked up multiple sponsors, including Red Bull. With their funding and help, he produced more videos, such as Industrial Revolutions and Way Back Home. These went viral too and are both worth a mention. However, his best piece of work is easily Imaginate, his latest video. This video combines crazy riding with a completely unique theme and idea. It's so creative and different and can be enjoyed by anyone, whether they are a mountain biker or not. It's originality and amazing riding are what make it my Number 1 YouTube video.
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